Lotus F1 announced PASTOR MALDONADO "will drive for Lotus in 2014." The 28-year-old Venezuelan "joins from Williams," filling the vacant spot left by KIMI RÄIKKÖNEN's return to Ferrari (BLOOMBERG, 11/29). ... Italian former motorcycle rider DORIANO ROMBONI "has died at the age of 44 after he suffered a fall and was hit by another bike taking part in an event," staged for the second consecutive year, as a tribute to the late racer MARCO SIMONCELLI (MARCA, 11/30).
COACHING MOVES: A "bad few weeks" for A-League Central Coast Mariners "has been compounded by the departure" of Sport Science Head ANDREW CLARK. In another "body blow" to the defending A-League champion, Clark has agreed to terms to join former Mariners coach GRAHAM ARNOLD at J.League side Vegalta Sendai on a two-year deal (THE AUSTRALIAN, 12/2). ... Basketball coach EVGENY PASHUTIN "has been rewarded for guiding Russian team Lokomotiv Kuban into the top-level Euroleague with a contract to coach the Russian national team" (R-SPORT, 11/29). ... EPL Fulham have confirmed that MARTIN JOL "has left his position as manager," with RENE MEULENSTEEN taking over first team duties "effective immediately" (ESPN, 12/1). ... AC Milan Owner SILVIO BERLUSCONI has stated that CEO ADRIANO GALLIANI "will remain" in a joint capacity (GOAL, 11/30). ... Moroccan side Raja Casablanca coach M'HAMED FAKHIR "stepped down just two weeks ahead of the Club World Cup in Morocco" (XINHUA, 11/29). ... DROR KASHTAN, "the most decorated coach in Israeli club football," has quit Israeli Premier League side Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv (REUTERS, 12/1). ... Korea Baseball Organization club Doosan Bears "abruptly fired" KIM JIN-WOOK as its manager (YONHAP, 11/28).
